Europe
Bulgaria
Affordable EU country with Sofia's café culture, ski towns, Black Sea beaches and mountain monasteries. Slow trains, taxi scams, Cyrillic signs and conservative attitudes outside Sofia take adjusting to.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyEURUS$1 ≈ €0.89Details
- Price level46%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 166 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 160 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe in Sofia, which is fed from mountain reservoirs, and in most towns; some villages have hard or interrupted supply.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalSofia has a few gay bars and a large, police-protected Pride; elsewhere attitudes are conservative.Details
- Internet94 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 203 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightEU licences are valid; others should carry a 1968 IDP. Highways need an e-vignette bought before driving.
- Digital nomad visaYesLong-stay visa D for digital nomadsDetails
Where to go in Bulgaria
11 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SofiaCapital city | 4/5 | $1,690–2,480 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 49/100 |
| PlovdivCity | 4/5 | $1,240–1,800 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 68/100 |
| BanskoMountain town | 4/5 | $1,350–2,030 | Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep | 58/100 |
| VarnaCity | 4/5 | $1,460–2,140 | May–Jun, Sep | 56/100 |
| Sunny BeachBeach town | 3/5 | $1,690–2,480 | Jun–Sep | 32/100 |
| NessebarTown | 4/5 | $1,580–2,250 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 46/100 |
| Golden SandsBeach town | 4/5 | $1,580–2,250 | Jun–Sep | 53/100 |
| Veliko TarnovoCity | 4/5 | $1,130–1,690 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 73/100 |
| SozopolTown | 4/5 | $1,580–2,250 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 49/100 |
| BurgasCity | 4/5 | $1,460–2,140 | May–Jun, Sep | 54/100 |
| BorovetsMountain town | 4/5 | $1,690–2,480 | Jan–Mar | 39/100 |
When to visit Bulgaria
May–June and September for Sofia, Plovdiv and the mountains; July–August for the Black Sea. Ski December–March in Bansko and Borovets.
Good to know
Entry
- Full Schengen member since 2025: 90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area. Non-EU visitors give fingerprints and a photo for the EES.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is not yet required; its launch has slipped beyond 2026.
- Border guards may ask for proof of accommodation, an onward ticket and enough money for your stay.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Face coverings such as the niqab or burqa are banned in public
- Driving on highways without an e-vignette brings fines
- Loud drunken behaviour or public urination can lead to arrest or fines
Etiquette
- A nod can mean no and a head shake yes; confirm verbally
- Give odd numbers of flowers; even numbers are for funerals
- Red-and-white martenitsa bracelets are worn through March
Tipping
Around 10% in restaurants is customary; round up taxi fares. In resorts, check whether service is already on the bill.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Bulgaria
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria: visas
- Speedtest Global Index: Bulgaria
- EF English Proficiency Index 2025: Bulgaria
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.